Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Saturday, 6 September 2025
That's Health: How to Access Medical Treatment Without Going to t...
That's Health: How to Access Medical Treatment Without Going to t...: When you’re feeling unwell, your first thought may be to book an appointment with your GP. But in the UK, there are several other ways to a...
Friday, 5 September 2025
Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with a Party Full of Pirate Food and Drinks
What better excuse to throw a themed party packed with food, drink, and fun worthy of the seven seas?
Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a children’s adventure, something at school, or an adults-only shindig, here are some ideas to make your party a treasure chest of delights.
Pirate-Themed Foods
When it comes to pirate fare, think rustic, hearty, and fun. Pirates at sea may have lived on hardtack and salted meat, but your guests deserve a feast!
Captain’s Feast Platter: Pile up roast chicken drumsticks, ribs, sausages, and crusty bread on wooden boards for a rugged pirate feel.
Seafood Galore: Serve prawns, crab claws, calamari, or fish and chips wrapped in paper cones.
Treasure Map Pizza: Create pizzas topped with ingredients shaped like “X marks the spot” or treasure chests.
Cannonball Meatballs: Juicy meatballs served with a smoky BBQ or rum glaze.
Gold Coin Snacks: Mini cheese rounds or chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil scattered on the table as edible treasure.
Pirate’s Plank Dessert: A long wooden board topped with brownies, flapjacks, and fruit skewers, ready for sharing.
No pirate party is complete without a tankard of grog! Luckily, you can make themed drinks that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Pirate Punch (alcohol-free): A mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lemonade served in a big bowl with floating orange “gold coins.”
Rum Cocktails: Classics like Dark ’n’ Stormy (rum and ginger beer) or a Mai Tai fit the theme perfectly.
Coconut Cups: Serve tropical cocktails or mocktails in hollowed coconuts or novelty pirate mugs.
The Black Pearl: Cola or spiced rum with blackberries muddled in for a dark, mysterious drink.
Party Extras
To make the day unforgettable, lean into the swashbuckling spirit:
Hand out pirate hats, eye patches, and plastic swords.
Play sea shanties or classic pirate soundtracks (think Pirates of the Caribbean).
Set up a treasure hunt for kids with chocolate coins or small trinkets.
Encourage everyone to speak in their best pirate lingo throughout the party.
Talk Like a Pirate Day is the perfect excuse to break out your inner buccaneer and enjoy a themed feast with friends and family.
With hearty pirate-inspired food, tropical drinks, and plenty of nautical fun, you’ll have a party that even Blackbeard himself would envy.
So polish your cutlass, raise your flagon, and get ready to shout a mighty “Yo-ho-ho!”
Celebrate International Dot Day with Food, Drink and Creative Fun for All Ages
It’s a day dedicated to creativity, self-expression and making your mark, and what better way to celebrate than with colourful food, drinks and activities that everyone can enjoy?
Dot-Themed Food Ideas
Bring the theme to life on your table with these fun ideas:
Polka Dot Biscuits – Bake plain sugar biscuits and decorate them with bright icing dots or colourful sprinkles.
Spotty Cupcakes – Top each cupcake with smarties, jelly tots or little icing dots.
Mini Pizza Dots – Use small pitta breads or round crackers topped with cheese, tomato and a variety of toppings arranged in circular shapes.
Fruit Dots – Skewer grapes, blueberries, strawberries and melon balls for a healthy “dotty” fruit kebab.
Cheese Ball Platter – Roll cheese into bite-sized dots and pair with crackers.
Creative Drinks
Drinks can be just as fun and spotty as the food:
Bubble Tea – The tapioca pearls are perfect edible “dots.”
Fruit Spritzers – Add round slices of lemon, lime, orange and floating berries to sparkling water or lemonade.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Dots – Top with mini marshmallows to make a dot pattern.
Creative Fun for All Ages
Dot Day is about creativity, so make sure to bring out the pens, paints and imagination. Here are a few activities:
Dot Painting – From cotton buds to paintbrush tips, create dot art inspired by Aboriginal dot paintings or colourful polka-dot patterns.
Collaborative Dot Mural – Cover a wall or large sheet of paper with dots added by everyone who visits.
DIY T-shirts or Tote Bags – Fabric paint and round stamps make for brilliant wearable dot art.
Storytime – Read The Dot aloud and encourage children (and adults!) to “make their mark.”
Dot Hunt – Create a scavenger hunt around the house or garden, looking for naturally occurring dots, circles and spots.
A Celebration for All Ages
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves creativity, International Dot Day is a chance to bring people together with fun, food and imagination. From spotty cakes to dot paintings, it’s all about celebrating the power of creativity and self-expression.
So put on something spotty, get the paints and sprinkles out, and let’s make International Dot Day a colourful celebration for all!
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Celebrating Uncle Sam Day with Food and Flavour
With his tall hat, striped trousers, and star-spangled waistcoat, Uncle Sam is instantly recognisable as a personification of America.
What better way to mark the day than with a spread of classic American dishes? Whether you’re American yourself, have friends across the pond, or simply love a good themed party, Uncle Sam Day offers the perfect excuse to enjoy a feast.
Classic American Flavours for Uncle Sam Day
1. Burgers and Hot Dogs
It wouldn’t be an American celebration without juicy burgers and sizzling hot dogs. Fire up the grill (or griddle if the weather isn’t playing along) and serve them with plenty of toppings—pickles, mustard, relish, ketchup, onions, and cheese.
2. BBQ Favourites
For a more indulgent menu, go down the Southern barbecue route with pulled pork, smoky ribs, cornbread, and baked beans. The sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours are as American as it gets.
3. Apple Pie
There’s an old saying: “As American as apple pie.” No Uncle Sam Day menu would be complete without this timeless dessert. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a slice of sharp cheddar (a New England twist).
For a breakfast or brunch celebration, whip up a stack of fluffy American pancakes, dripping with maple syrup and topped with blueberries or crispy bacon.
5. Stars and Stripes Treats
Make things fun and festive with themed nibbles:
Red, white, and blue fruit skewers (strawberries, bananas, blueberries).
Flag-inspired cupcakes topped with coloured icing.
A berry trifle layered in patriotic colours.
Drinks to Match
Pair your feast with some classic American drinks. Root beer, iced tea, and milkshakes are family-friendly choices, while adults might enjoy a mint julep, bourbon on the rocks, or even a red, white, and blue layered cocktail.
Hosting an Uncle Sam Day Gathering
Decorate with stars, stripes, and bunting in red, white, and blue. Set up a simple buffet so guests can pile their plates high, and maybe even encourage a touch of fancy dress—think top hats and stars!
Uncle Sam Day is all about fun, food, and a little taste of Americana. Whether you keep it small with burgers and pie or go all-out with a full barbecue spread, it’s a brilliant way to celebrate across the Atlantic.
Many British supermarkets have American aisles where you can buy American or American style food and drinks.
How to Host a Whizzpopping Roald Dahl Day Party
From the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the mischievous tales of Fantastic Mr Fox, his stories are packed with food, drink and feasting – making them perfect inspiration for a themed party.
If you’re looking for ways to mark Roald Dahl Day, here are some brilliant food, drink, and activity ideas for children and adults alike.
Themed Party Ideas
Pick a single story for your party theme, or mix and match elements from across Dahl’s world:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Golden tickets, sweet treats and chocolate fountains.
The BFG – Dream jars, frobscottle (fizzy green drinks), and giant-themed snacks.
Matilda – A cosy bookish tea party complete with Bruce Bogtrotter’s enormous chocolate cake.
Fantastic Mr Fox – Rustic woodland-inspired food and autumn harvest decorations.
Marvellous Food and Drink
Willy Wonka’s chocolate delights – cupcakes, fountains, or even chocolate-dipped fruit.
Bruce Bogtrotter’s cake – bake or buy a decadent chocolate cake and make it the centrepiece.
Enormous fruit platters – slices of watermelon, giant peaches, and seasonal fruit skewers.
Frobscottle fizz – create your own version with lemonade, lime cordial, or sparkling apple juice served in tall bottles.
Scrumdiddlyumptious snacks – think popcorn, rainbow jelly pots, or even “snozzcumber” crudités with dip.
Tip: In the UK, you’ll often find special activity packs, recipe cards and event ideas released by Penguin Books in partnership with Roald Dahl Story Day. These can be a great starting point for themed menus and games.
Party Games and Activities
Keep the fun flowing with interactive activities:
Golden Ticket Hunt – hide golden tickets (printed at home or wrapped in chocolate bars) for guests to find.
Costume Parade – invite guests to dress as their favourite character – Matilda, the Twits, or even Willy Wonka himself.
Crafting Station – decorate dream jars, create fox masks, or design your own Wonka bar wrapper.
Story Time – host a dramatic reading of short passages from Dahl’s books.
Décor with a Dahl Twist
Your decorations don’t need to be elaborate – just bold, colourful, and a little bit eccentric:
Hang quote banners with favourite Dahl sayings.
Create oversized props like giant lollipops, cardboard chocolate bars, or paper peaches.
Use mix-and-match tableware in bright, playful patterns.
Make It a Party with Purpose
Roald Dahl Day isn’t just fun – it’s also a chance to support good causes. Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity helps seriously ill children and young people across the UK. You could turn your party into a fundraiser by:
Asking for small donations in exchange for party entry.
Holding a raffle with book- or food-themed prizes.
Selling slices of that famous chocolate cake for charity.
Find out more at www.roalddahlcharity.org
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a family tea party, a school celebration, or a community event, Roald Dahl Day is a golden opportunity to get creative with food, drink and fun. As the great man himself said: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
So roll up your sleeves, break out the chocolate, and get ready for a whizzpopping celebration!
That's Christmas 365: Smart Festive Cooking and Preparation Hacks for a ...
That's Christmas 365: Smart Festive Cooking and Preparation Hacks for a ...: Christmas should be about joy, laughter, and togetherness, not about feeling frazzled in the kitchen. With a few clever tricks and smart pr...
Ensuring You Buy the Highest Possible Quality Pet Foods for Your Companion Animals
One of the most important ways we can ensure their long-term health and happiness is by choosing the highest quality food available.
With so many brands, labels, and buzzwords crowding the shelves, it can be confusing to know which products really deliver on quality.
Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your companion animal.
Why Quality Matters
Just like humans, animals thrive on a diet that is balanced, nutritious, and free from unnecessary fillers or harmful additives. High-quality pet foods can:
Support a healthy immune system.
Improve skin and coat condition.
Boost energy levels and vitality.
Reduce digestive issues.
Lower the risk of obesity and related illnesses.
Investing in quality food may cost a little more, but it can save on veterinary bills in the long run.
How to Spot High-Quality Pet Food
1. Check the Ingredients List
Look for named proteins as the first ingredient (e.g., “chicken,” “salmon,” “turkey”), rather than vague terms like “meat” or “animal derivatives.” Whole, recognisable ingredients indicate a better quality food.
2. Avoid Fillers and By-Products
Low-grade fillers such as maize, wheat, or soy often bulk out cheaper pet foods but offer little nutritional value. Similarly, “meat meal” or “animal by-products” may include parts of animals not fit for human consumption. (And if they are not fit for human consumption, why inflict them on your pets?)
Ensure the food meets standards set by recognised bodies such as FEDIAF (in Europe) or AAFCO (in the USA). These guidelines ensure that the food is complete and balanced for your pet’s life stage.
4. Consider Special Needs
If your pet has allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions, opt for hypoallergenic or veterinary-approved diets. For example, grain-free options or foods designed for urinary health can make a huge difference.
5. Check for Natural Additives
High-quality foods often contain added vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural antioxidants. These support joint health, brain development, and overall wellbeing.
6. Read Reviews and Research Brands
Not all premium-looking packaging delivers what it promises. Research brands online, read independent reviews, and ask your vet for trusted recommendations.
Tailoring Food to Your Pet
Dogs: Active dogs may benefit from high-protein diets, while smaller breeds often require calorie-dense foods in smaller portions.
Cats: As obligate carnivores, cats need high levels of animal protein and taurine to stay healthy.
Small animals: Rabbits and guinea pigs thrive on hay-rich diets supplemented with vegetables and fortified pellets.
Birds: Quality seed mixes should be combined with fresh fruit, vegetables, and species-appropriate pellets.
Avoiding Marketing Traps
Words like “premium,” “natural,” or “gourmet” on packaging don’t always guarantee quality. Always rely on the ingredient list and nutritional standards rather than marketing claims.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right food for your pet is an act of love. By paying attention to ingredients, nutritional balance, and your pet’s specific needs, you can ensure that your furry (or feathered) friend gets the best start in life and thrives well into their senior years.
After all, a healthy diet is the foundation of a long, happy life together.
That's Christmas 365: George & Joseph launches delectable trio of Christ...
That's Christmas 365: George & Joseph launches delectable trio of Christ...: Artisan fromage specialist unveils limited-edition boxes of British cheese perfect for the festive season As winter weaves its sparkling mag...
That's Christmas 365: Swizzels Advent Calendar Launching Soon
That's Christmas 365: Swizzels Advent Calendar Launching Soon: British sweet maker Swizzels has just launched its brand-new 2025 Advent Calendar . Packed with 24 of its much-loved treats and showcasing ...
The Easiest Way to Make Cottage Cheese and Paneer at Home
While it may sound daunting at first, cottage cheese and paneer are two of the simplest cheeses you can make at home, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal equipment.
Best of all, they’re fresher, creamier, and tastier than many shop-bought versions.
Whether you want a creamy scoop of cottage cheese for your breakfast bowl or firm cubes of paneer to drop into a curry, the method is nearly identical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 litre whole milk (fresh, full-fat milk works best)
2–3 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar
A pinch of salt (optional for cottage cheese)
Step-by-Step Method
1. Heat the Milk
Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Acid
Once the milk starts to bubble, reduce the heat and stir in the lemon juice or vinegar slowly. You’ll notice the milk separating almost immediately into curds (the solids) and whey (the liquid).
3. Let It Curdle
Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes. The curds should fully separate from the whey, leaving a yellowish liquid.
4. Strain the Curds
Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth or clean plain tea towel and place it over a large bowl. Carefully pour the mixture through to catch the curds.
For Cottage Cheese
Gather the cloth and gently squeeze out excess whey, but don’t press too hard.
Transfer the curds into a bowl and break them up with a fork.
Stir in a pinch of salt, or even a little cream for extra richness.
Enjoy it fresh with fruit, salads, or on toast.
For Paneer
Gather the cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Shape the curds into a flat block while still in the cloth, then place it on a plate.
Weigh it down with a heavy pan or tin for 30–60 minutes.
Once firm, unwrap and cut into cubes. Your homemade paneer is ready for curries, stir-fries, or grilling.
Tips for Success
Use fresh full-fat milk – low-fat milk won’t give you the same creamy result.
Don’t throw away the whey – it’s packed with protein and can be added to smoothies, soups, or bread dough.
Adjust the texture – for softer paneer, reduce pressing time; for firmer cubes, press longer.
Why Make It at Home?
Homemade cottage cheese and paneer are preservative-free, fresher than anything you’ll find on supermarket shelves, and surprisingly quick to prepare. With just milk and an acidic agent, you can turn an everyday ingredient into a versatile cheese that elevates your cooking.
Next time you have a spare litre of milk, try making a batch of cottage cheese or paneer, you’ll be amazed at how easy (and delicious) it is!
Incidentally as I write this my wife and I have enjoyed some freshly made cottage cheese and are waiting for our paneer to be ready! Paneer is ideal in a vegetarian curry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)